BATTLEDRESS SHELLHOLE CENTRAL CIRCLE, FISH HOEK PO BOX 22033 FISH HOEK 7974 Email [email protected]

BATTLECRY! SEPTEMBER 2020

80TH ANNIVERSARY-

ADOLPH GYSBERT ‘SAILOR’ MALAN RAF GC DSO & BAR, DFC & BAR, MID, MC, CROIX DE GUERRE (BELGE)

Hello, to you all Welcome to Spring and Level 1! It was in March 2020 when the enormity and somewhat disbelief that we were told that we would have to endure a 5 level lockdown over a period of 6 months. Some were obedient and followed the strict regulations whilst others thumbed their noses at the ruling with “we all have to die sometime” attitude, flaunting the ban on the sale of tobacco, liquor, social distancing and the wearing of masks. It has been alleged that South Africans do not like being told what to do and perhaps the ancestors have had a large part in that, be they Indigenous, French, Dutch, British and Afrikaaner - we are at heart a rebellious nation of black, white, and/or mixed race. What we are as a nation, however, is passionate, fair- minded and a sports and braai-loving country. Well, let’s hope so! As we now celebrate the passing of Winter and celebrate the arrival of Spring and Lockdown Level 1, let us find it in our hearts to move forward. Stronger together, with acts of kindness because this Covid pandemic is far from over.

Sunset Call There have been no calls to Higher Service this month and as always we remain grateful, counting our blessings with each new day.

Sick Parade Please remember the following Moths and FOFR who are not as well as they could be and are perhaps struggling to return to good health. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers: Moth Donald Oliver (UK) has had recurring heart problems but is now on the mend. Donald is looking forward to re-visiting Cape Town and Battledress Shellhole in particular as soon as he gets the all-clear signal for Covid and an airline to fly here on. Moth Les Smith Moth Richard Evans Liz Killian (widow of Battledress Moth Bill Killian) Pam Kirkpatrick (widow of “Kirk” Kirkpatrick). Denise Lamont (wife of Moth John Lamont) FOFR Alan Godsiff Eileen Cruywagen (Partner of Moth Albert Massyn) Mothwa Alice Laubscher

Some Moths/FOFR do not like a ‘fuss’ if they are unwell. No one knows their date of departure on a cruise to ‘Somewhere’ but remember, there are nearest and dearest friends who will always want the best for you.

If anyone on the Sick Parade list is indeed back in good health, or perhaps someone has recently become ill, please confirm your health status with Padre Moth Errol Sadler and/or the Welfare Officer, Moth Ian Scott. You can also send the Rag Bill an email at [email protected]

BIRTHDAYS Just a reminder of who has/will be celebrating birthdays in September and October. Now that prohibition has ended, please raise a glass (or two), in birthday wishes to the following: September 10 Denise Lamont (wife of Moth John Lamont) 20 Moth Chris Smith 28 Moth Richard Evans October 08 Moth Robbie Abrahamse 09 Moth Dirk Slingerland 10 Moth Charlie Phillipson 12 Moth Jacques Taljaard 15 FOFR Alan Godsiff 19 FOFR Robbie Reel 23 FOFR Gladys Currie 26 Mothwa Nikki Warwick

Congratulations

Champagne corks have popped for new grandparents, FOFR Deon and Cecelia van den Berg.

Congratulations VJ Day Competition Congratulations too to Tracey O’Neill, the VJ Day Competition winner. A number of answers were submitted with Tracey pipping others to the post! Presenting the R100 Woolworths gift voucher to Tracey is Rag Bill Vanessa Chambers (right). It is most encouraging to get feedback on the newsletters (good, or bad) because at least they are being read. More people are sharing their stories and especially their life memories and experiences.

Congratulations to Moth Leonard Marais

Up-grading from his tricycle to motor bike, congratulations to Moth Leonard Marais who has earned his wheels and has officially become a member of the MOTH Motorcycle Association (MMA).

Visitors/Recruits & Transfers Battledress Shellhole welcomed visitor and potential recruit Michael Sellick, ex Rhodesian Army (RLI), and also Moth Vincent “Vin” York who is transferring from Mafeesh/Oribi Shellhole in Southern KZN.

Training: by Adjutant/Training Officer Moth Keith Galvin

Moth Summer Dress Code Summer will soon be on its way and from 01 October, summer dress may be worn at Moth gatherings from 01 October 2020 until 30 April 2021, GHQ circular 37 of 2005 refers. Dugout Standing Orders clauses 10.3 and 10.4 stipulate Summer Dress as (Males) Short sleeved, open necked white shirt with MOTH breast pocket badge and the registered badge of membership (Tin Hat) on the left collar; grey/charcoal trousers with matching socks; black shoes; MOTH cravat (optional) and no headdress. (Females) Short sleeved, open necked white shirt with MOTH breast pocket badge and the registered badge of membership (Tin Hat) on the left collar; grey/charcoal trousers with matching socks, or grey/charcoal skirt with stockings (optional); black shoes; MOTH cravat (optional) and no headdress.

Lockdown Snippet: Social Distancing Social Distancing was once used as a euphemism for class and race distancing in the 19th century. In the 1920’s the SD Scale described ‘comfort levels’ between people of different races and became a social science measurement. It was also used to justify ‘elites’ from marginalized or disenfranchised people across the USA for 200 years. Only in 2004 did the CDC refer to social distancing in relation to airborne illnesses. Between 1918-1919 the Spanish Flu known as “Black October” killed 300 000 people in South Africa in six weeks (6% of the entire population). It was spread by returning infected troops from the Middle East and German East Africa travelling from Cape Town inland by train. The 1918 flu killed about six times the number of Americans killed in World War I.

80TH ANNIVERSARY – BATTLE OF BRITAIN

There was no official Battle of Britain Church Service in Simon’s Town this year. As with many Moth events the 80th anniversary celebrations have passed relatively quietly. In England the commemoration service which would have attracted over 2 000 international attendees but only 100 dignitaries and representatives of the attended. Yet, we remember and honour the bravest who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting the decisive air campaign over southern England,

changing the course of history which in the Prime Minister’s words “ Never was so much owed by so many to so few”. “ and the Many” were the Fighter Command pilots, the ‘teeth’ of a sophisticated defense system which was reliant on the thousands of Royal Airforce, WAAF, ground crew force and volunteers which kept the planes flying. One fifth of all aircrew were from Commonwealth countries with 16 of these nations represented in the squadrons. The Commonwealth produced excellent pilots such as Ian Smith of Rhodesia (left) and Flight Lieutenant Adolph (no, not him!) Gysbert ‘Sailor’ Malan* from South Africa (cover) who was the leader of 74 Squadron. Sailor Malan served in the RAF from 1932- 1946, having originally served on the ship General Botha as a junior cadet deck officer (RNR) until he enlisted in the RAF on a short service commission in 1935. ‘Sailor’ to his flying mates was posted to 74 Squadron in 1936. He retired from the RAF as a Group Captain in 1946 and is remembered not just for his flying skills but also for the leadership of the , a strong anti- movement in the 1950’s. Sailor Malan was also remembered for his “My 10 Rules for Air Fighting” and the court martial of a friendly fire incident, “The Battle of Barking Creek”. He died in Kimberley in 1963. Other Ace pilots renowned for their high number of ‘kills’ were pilots in the Polish 303 (Dywizjon) Fighter Squadron. Many Polish pilots were in exile after Germany invaded Poland in 1939. They formed 302 and 303 Squadrons flying Hawker Hurricanes and Spitfires. Out 66 fighter squadrons, 303 Squadron claimed the highest number of enemy planes shot down. Not without controversy, the pilots were amongst the most experienced fighter pilots ever to fly between 1940-1945. However, after the war, an opinion poll indicated that 56% of British people believed the pilots should return to Poland and were given just 3 days to leave the country they had fought for in the Battle of Britain. In the first week of September, an intensified attack on the city of London, in particular the London docks and the East End suffered wide- spread damage with 400 people being killed. Queen Elizabeth, wife of King George VI, visited the bombed areas to help lift the morale of ordinary Londoners. When Buckingham Palace was bombed, she said “Now I can look the East End in the face!” On 15 September, now widely commemorated as the Battle of Britain Day, Fighter Command rebuffed German air attacks, shooting down 60 enemy aircraft on that day alone. Two days later, Hitler abandoned Operation Sealion. He had previously boasted that he would take his next salute – from the balcony of

Buckingham Palace. Instead, on the 80the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a flypast consisting of 3 Spitfires and 1 Hurricane flew over London acknowledging and saluting those who had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. *Thanks to Eileen Cruywagen and Moth Albert Massyn for providing “This England”

Synonymous with the Battle of Britain was Group Captain , DSO, DFC, the pilot with no legs. Bader had lost his legs as a result of an aerobatics crash in 1931 and against his will had been retired from flying but the outbreak of World War II necessitated his return to the RAF to become one of the RAFs ace pilots. He was credited with shooting down at least 22 aircraft but in 1941 he was forced to bail out of his damaged plane over Germany, was captured and after attempting to escape from a number of POW camps he was imprisoned in Colditz Castle. He was eventually freed by the First American Army advance in 1945. After the war, Bader would give motivational talks about the loss of his legs, particularly under stressful times during the war. Allegedly on one such occasion and addressing girls at an upmarket school, he said “So there were two of the F***ers behind me, three F***ers to my right, and another F*** on the left.” The Headmistress went pale and interjected: “Ladies, the Fokker was a German aircraft.” Bader replied, “That may be, madam, but these F***ers were in Messerschmitts!” A movie of his life was made and was called ‘Reach for the Sky’. He was Knighted in 1976 for his services for the disabled. He died in 1972. Thanks to Moth Minaar Van Der Merwe for this memorable conversation.

BATTLEDRESS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2020/21

On 03 September 2020, Battledress Shellhole’s first monthly meeting was held since the Coronavirus lockdown in March. At the meeting, Commander Moth Ricky De Wet installed the 2020/21 Executive Committee (right): Deputy Commander Moth Julie Denham, Adjutant Moth Keith Galvin. Pay Bill Moth Warren Cowan. Present at the Exco’s installation was Provincial Dugout Adjutant Daphne Floyd.

Also installed was the Battledress Sub Committee: Sergeant Major Moth Neil Bright, Play Bill Moth Leon Haralambous, Rag Bill Moth Vanessa Chambers Hall Manager Moth Richard Evans and Bar Manager FOFR Denise Thompson

The meeting also saw a number of awards being presented to Moths and FOFR members.

Moth of the Year – Moth Keith Galvin (above left). Life Members: Moth Smudge Smith (center) for 20 years honourable service and past service as Welfare Officer; Padre Errol Sadler (above right) for 20 years of honourable service and as Padre to the Order and local community services, respectively

Good Comradeship Certificates and Badges were awarded to Rag Bill Moth Vanessa Chambers (far left) and FOFR Robbie Reel (center). Commander Moth Ricky de Wet received a Certificate of Appreciation (right), as did the following Moths and FOFR: Deputy Commander Moth Julie Denham (far left) for her outstanding management of administration, correspondence and support; Pay Bill Moth Warren Cowan (centre) for his meticulous management of finances, control of funds and efforts. Welfare Officer Moth Ian Scott (above right) received a certificate of appreciation for all his efforts with the management, administration and selfless dedication and compassion in the welfare for Moths, FOFR and the community’s friends. Hall Manager Moth Richard Evans for his management and control of The Moth Hall and Bar (left).

Play Bill Moth Leon Haralambous (left) for his amazing dedication and dynamic drive-in fund- raising efforts for Battledress Shellhole. Moth John Lamont (center) for representing Battledress at Police Community Forums and his attendance at many MOTH parades and services. FOFR John Lewis (above right) for his cheerful and ambitious enthusiasm for driving fund-raising raffles. Bar Manager FOFR Denise Thompson (right) for her total involvement and support of the Shellhole and fund-raising efforts. Last, but certainly not least, Helen “Goose” de Wet (left) for all her hard work, meticulous organisation at functions and for ensuring Battledress is the cleanest, most sanitised Shellhole in the Western Cape.

Congratulations to all Moth and FOFR Awardees for their contribution to the ongoing success of Battledress Shellhole.

Butterflies Word from the Butterflies is that they are slowly making progress in re-joining the local community, though there will be no immediate ventures that they were renowned for before Covid-19. Carol Parish has made her first journey in her car – some 190 days since her last trip – whilst the rest of the Butterflies feel like deer “transfixed and blinking in the headlights” (hopefully not Carol’s). They will take time to return to Battledress Shellhole as many of the group are concerned about the gathering of large numbers, but will venture out at some stage even if it is for a coffee and a catch-up. We wish them well and to remain in the best possible health.

Moth Smudge’s Treasure Chest Each month, Moth Smudge Smith will be contributing an article from his Treasure Chest of mementos, the first of which is: “Could This VC Have Been 1st Old Bill?” (courtesy of Moth Doug Clapham from Mafeesh Shellhole) Private Sidney Frank Godley and other Royal Fusiliers were attacked by German forces whilst attempting to secure bridges across a canal, which ran in a line between Conde and Nimy near Mons in Belgium, early on 23 August 1914. He was wounded twice whilst manning a machine gun when others had been killed, wounded or ordered to retire, Private Godley on his own, kept up the machine gun resistance until his ammunition ran out. Destroying the machine gun and crawling back to a main road, he was rescued by Belgian civilians and whilst being treated for 27 wounds at a hospital in Mons, Private Godley was captured by the Germans. Whilst imprisoned at the Doberitz POW camp for 4 years, the German Camp Officer informed Private Godley that he had been awarded the Victoria Cross. When it became apparent that the war had been lost for them the German guards left the camp unguarded and Private Godley and others simply walked out to the road, jumped aboard a train and eventually found their way to London. Making ‘guest appearances’ as ‘Old Bill’ wearing a tin helmet and a greatcoat, Private Godley helped raise money for post-war charities and became the face of a cartoon character inspired by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather. Private Godley and 50 other Royal Fusiliers were remembered when a new bridge in Nimy was opened in 1929, and a medal was presented to him for being the last man to defend the old bridge on his own. He died in 1957 and was buried in Many Park Cemetery, remembered as one of the first recipients of a VC in World War I. Thanks to Moth Smudge for his interest and starting a treasure Chest of mementos.

Soup & Roll Evening 11 September Battledress celebrated its first social get- together for Moths and FOFR members with a soup and bread roll evening. Thanks to Helen “the Goose” De Wet and Chef Gary O’Neill of Saveur restaurant in Simon’s Town, two delicious soups, butternut and a vegetable were served at a give-away price of R20, which included a bread roll and croutons.

Thanks to Ros Barnett who made sure that everyone at the Shellhole was Covid-compliant.

Moth Morning Market Despite the news that a number of morning markets are re-opening, Battledress’s Moth Market on a Saturday morning will remain closed for now. Pat Coombs, who was to take over from Mothwa Alice Laubscher in running the market, has found the uncertainty of Covid-19 too unsettling.

Is there anyone who would be interested in running the market when it eventually re-starts? All Covid regulations will need to be adhered to.

Poppy Day Collection Also cancelled is the SA Legion’s annual Poppy Day Collection which a number of Battledress Moths and FOFR regularly volunteered their services for. However, not to be deterred and thanks to Provincial Dugout Adjutant Daphne Floyd, a Poppy Day Collection tin was given to Battledress Shellhole. Donations can be made into the tin which is placed on the Founder’s Room bar.

Remembrance & Sunset Parade – 01 November 2020 Whilst a number of official MOTH parades and services have been cancelled this year, there is hope that the Remembrance Day Sunset Parade at the Garden of Remembrance in Fish Hoek will proceed on 1 November. Numbers taking part in the Parade and the after- parade function will be confirmed by mid-October.

Christmas Hampers Yes, you read it correctly! Christmas is just 86 days away until you can hang up your Christmas stockings and in your most persuasive voices tell Santa just how well behaved you have been this year. Okay, okay, given the months of lockdown you will receive some credit! It is also a time to remember those who have had very little to smile about, and who have felt the Grinch’s Pinch more than most during the lockdown. Tickets to win 3 main Christmas Hampers, as well as smaller prizes, can be bought at just R2 each on sheets of 50. The draws will take place on 19 December. Like last year, items for food and non-perishable donations will be made to the Jones Safe House, the Shellhole’s chosen charity for 2020.

New Shellhole Opening & Closing Hours. The Battledress Founder’s Room will open at 1400 on Sundays/Public Holidays and will close at 2000 on Wednesdays, and at 2200 on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours will be reviewed as and when required by lockdown rules and as the Bar Manager/QM schedules allow. The Shellhole must be Covid compliant in respect of lockdown regulations and is operational with respect to curfew hours, the number of people allowed to be present at the same time, with details recorded by the Compliance Officer, Ros Barnett. The Shellhole is obliged to keep all documentation on file in the unfortunate event of someone being Covid positive. Please keep all these things in mind and you are thanked for respecting these regulations. “I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.” Ulysses S Grant

Getting Too Know You – FOFR Denise Thompson

No stranger to Fish Hoek, Denise Thompson is the new Bar Manager at Battledress Shellhole for 2020/21. A sports lover from a young age she enjoyed cricket, hockey and tennis amongst her favourite family orientated past times. Denise had an early introduction to kitchen and bar duties at the Tennis Club and was a natural in mixing with people of all ages when tending the bar. She became one of the “jam stealers” when she joined the navy’s logistics, before moving on to Eskom, and later to Simon’s Town municipality. Looking for another challenge, Denise joined R-Data, providing financial systems support to several amalgamated municipalities in South Africa, as well as Southern African countries such as Zambia, Swaziland, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Prior to joining Battledress Shellhole, Denise and her husband, Tommo were regular visitors to The Victoria Times in Fish Hoek. When Tommo passed in 2016, Denise continued to visit The Vic and whilst waiting for her daughter to finish work got to know some Moths who visited the pub and who finally persuaded her to visit Battledress Shellhole. Denise lives with her two daughters, two granddaughters and very soon, a grandson who will be joining them in November.

Cheers, Denise!

On that cheers-ful note, thank you for the cuppa and the chat. Stay healthy and stay safe everyone.

Best wishes

Vanessa

Moth Vanessa Chambers Battlecry! Rag Bill Email: [email protected] Website: www.moth.org.za